The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse

Chapter 496 Killing The Panther

”It looks like they might actually be able to handle the monster,” Lily commented, watching as Kay and the others clashed with the beast.

They are done killing the Tier 7 monsters and now watch the raging battle a few kilometers from them.

It had already been thirty minutes since the battle began. Kilian was cut on the arm and bleeding, Mark had bruises on his arm and face from a nasty fall, and Kay was bleeding from the nose.

Only Danny seemed unscathed, largely because he had barely engaged in the fight.

The panther, however, was also badly injured. A deep cut on its neck marked the aftermath of a vicious attack Danny had landed just a few minutes ago.

Danny wasnʼt as active as Kilian, Mark, and Kay, but he was carefully preparing for a decisive strike. His opportunities so far were too risky, leaving him unable to use his technique effectively.

Despite everything, they were holding on.

”Kay is actually good at controlling the battlefield, but Mark needs to become much faster to run interference during attacks effectively,” Klaus remarked, assessing the situation. ”His speed is crucial, but heʼs not yet at the level where he can fully use it to his advantage.”

”But this is also good. He seems to be prioritizing both strength and speed from the start. With the cultivation technique I gave him, he can walk down that path without hindrance.

I just hope he doesnʼt become lazy and slack off along the line,” Klaus added.

”Donʼt worry, Klaus. We all take your teachings seriously; he wonʼt stop even if his soul tells him to,” Anna said, making Klaus nod with his shoulders high.

”Well then. Since I am something akin to your master, you all should know I aim to make you defenders of the Earth. No slacking off,” he commanded in a tone befitting a master speaking to his disciples.

”Tsk. No need to be shameless about it,” Hanna retorted, returning her attention to the battle.

Klaus just smiled at her antics and placed both hands on Lily and Annaʼs shoulders as they watched the fight. Enjoy new chapters from

Daniel stood much closer to the battleground, itching to join the clash and unleash some Hammer Arts. But alas, he wouldnʼt get the chance today.

”Danny, get ready!” Kay shouted.

”Kilian, Mark, use your techniques and retreat!” he instructed before activating his own technique.

He wasnʼt about to use his ultimate skill just yet, considering it might backfire. He needed to save that for a just-in-case situation.

”Lion Roar Piercer!” Kay unleashed a powerful flame arrow that immediately transformed into a huge lionʼs head with a long, pointy horn.

The arrow roared and struck the pantherʼs body, which was just a moment too slow to raise its earth-wall defense.

”Infinity Spear Art. First Form: Strike-Through!” A spear light flashed forward and pierced the pantherʼs body, sending it flying back. Mark gasped for breath as he retreated.

”One Flame Transcendence Sword Art” Kilian joined in, ”First Form: Void Cutter!” A red sword light flashed out from Kilianʼs blade, vanishing instantly before reappearing at the tigerʼs belly mid-air.

The attack landed deep, cutting a vicious wound. But that wasnʼt what killed it.

Standing on the other side of the battle, Danny roared and unleashed his long-awaited axe strike.

”World-Breaking Axe. First Form: Giant Axe Form!”

A giant axe appeared in the air and, like a meteor falling, slammed into the pantherʼs body, cutting deep into its neck.

”Eat this!” Danny shouted again, channeling his remaining strength into the axe. He landed another blow on the neck, severing the head completely.

”Yes!” Danny punched the air in triumph before collapsing onto his back, exhausted.

Kilian and Mark were also on the ground, struggling to catch their breath. The only one still standing was Kay, who had just enough energy left for his ultimate attack.

Had Danny failed to kill the panther, Kay was prepared to finish it off. Since he had chosen to lead the battle, he was responsible for seeing it through to the end.

Fortunately, his three teammates had managed to bring their opponent down.

”Good job, everyone. You four have proven you have what it takes to join the Awesome Men Club,” Klaus said, patting Kay on the shoulder.

For now, he decided not to address their shortcomings during the battle. There were many things they could have done to make the fight easier, but that conversation would come later.

He would correct them once they had calmed down and cleared their minds of fatigue.

”Mark, you can go for the core. Iʼm sure one of your ladies would love to have it,” Klaus said, nodding toward Mark.

Mark nodded in return. He and the Zhou twins had grown much closer recently, even reaching the next level in their relationship, so Klaus wanted what was best for him.

”Donʼt worry; Iʼm sure weʼll gather more earth cores by the end of this mission, so you wonʼt have to pick between them,” Klaus added with a grin.

”Okay,” Mark replied, a faint smile forming as he pushed himself up.

Klaus then moved toward the Lightning Apple Tree, plucking one directly from the branch and sending it to his lips.

He bit into it, and immediately, he felt his lightning energy surge, dancing out of his body and startling his friends.

”Good stuff,” Klaus nodded, taking another bite.

He plucked two more and handed them to Hanna and Kathy. The two exchanged a glance before taking a bite. Just like Klaus, their energies surged, filling them with newfound strength.

”According to the tracker, this fruit sells for 10,000 Celestial points each,” Anna said, glancing at her academy tracker.

”Then weʼre rich,” Kay grinned. ”I count more than six dozen apples. With this, along with the ThunderBerries, Iʼd say weʼve struck gold.” He quickly made the calculations, causing his friends to grin from ear to ear.

”Thatʼs the plan. We need all the money we can get, but for now, we must complete our mission within the next two weeks,” Klaus said.

Since they took on high-level missions, they were bound to face the dangers that came with them. Luckily, they would earn extra points from selling the monster cores and the Fruit.

”Hanna, let me help you form the space for Kathy. Weʼll rest for the day, then start fresh tomorrow to continue with the rest of the missions.”

The next few hours were spent resting and absorbing monster cores. Klaus wanted everyone at their peak for the remaining missions.

Once the team missions were over, he planned to split the teams in two while he would go solo for their individual missions.

Of course, since nobody was monitoring them, they could team up for their solo missions, but Klaus wanted them to do it individually.

He also planned to have them undergo rigorous training after completing the missions before returning to the academy.

The next day, they were ready to continue their missions. Klaus led them to the next location, where they needed an elephantʼs tusk.

In fact, three of their missions involved obtaining the tusk of the Diamond Body Brute Elephant, a Tier 8 monster that could rival Ko, the Tier 9 beast they had killed.

And so, their day was set to be a dangerous one.